The Minnesota Vikings are bringing back linebacker Bo Richter for the 2026 NFL season.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Friday the Vikings tendered Richter his exclusive rights free agent contract.
This offseason, the linebacker was an ERFA because he has just two years of accrued service time in the NFL. That means the Vikings had the ability to tender him a contract that will disallow Richter from negotiating with other teams.
That’s exactly what the Vikings did. The tender will give the linebacker a one-year contract on the league-minimum salary.
Although he doesn’t play much on defense, the Vikings saw Richter worth that value because of his contributions on special teams. In his first two NFL seasons, Richter has averaged 319.5 special teams snaps per year.
During 2025, Richter lined up for 372 special teams snaps for Minnesota, which was 83% of the team’s snaps on the unit. Richter also played 52 snaps on defense.
With that playing time, the linebacker had 11 combined tackles, six solos and five assisted. He also had one pass defense.
In addition to Richter, ESPN’s Kevin Seifert reported the Vikings also tendered defensive lineman Jalen Redmond and are expected to tender running back Zavier Scott ERFA contracts.
Vikings Bringing Back LB Bo Richter: Report
Because it was only going to take a league-minimum salary for him to return, it was a bit of a no-brainer for the Vikings to tender the linebacker a contract.
Richter could remain in Minnesota for a couple more years. Next season, the linebacker will be a restricted free agent.
To keep him next offseason, the Vikings will have to tender Richter another contract. With restricted free agency, players could still potentially receive offers from other teams and sign elsewhere depending on the tender their current teams place on them.
But the linebacker isn’t guaranteed to completely hit the open market until 2028.
Vikings Also Tender ERFA Contracts to Jalen Redmond, Expected to With Zavier Scott
Overall, the Vikings tendered three exclusive rights free agents Friday. In addition to Richter, Minnesota gave Redmond a tender.
It sounds as though it hasn’t officially happened yet, but Scott should receive a tender as well.
Redmond really was a no-brainer to receive a ERFA tender in Minnesota. During his second season with the team, the defensive lineman started 15 contests. Redmond posted six sacks with 12 tackles for loss, eight quarterback hits and five pass defenses. He also had a forced fumbles.
On offense, Scott wasn’t a starter, but he added running back depth. Scott ran for 114 yards, averaging 3.6 yards per carry. He also caught 14 passes for 98 yards and a score.
Scott played 105 offensive snaps and lined up for 149 special teams snaps in 16 contests last season.
The Vikings are likely bringing back Redmond and Scott for roster depth next season.
To move under the 2026 salary cap, the Vikings have made or are expected to make several cuts. A lot of the roster turnover is coming along the defensive line and at running back.
So, both Redmond and Scott will give Minnesota some stability at those spots heading into 2026 NFL free agency.
The league’s legal tampering period will begin at 12 pm ET Monday. Unrestricted free agents can begin signing their new contracts at 4 pm ET Wednesday.
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